Tech Valley: Lessons from the New York Nano-Cluster Success Story New York has overcome numerous obstacles to create a large and growing cluster of nanotechnology-based research, manufacturing, and supply chain enterprises and educational institutions in what has come to be known as “Tech Valley.” In their new book from Georgetown University, “Partnering to Grow the New York Nano-Cluster,” Dr. Charles W. Wessner and Thomas R. Howell describe in detail how Tech Valley was built, the cooperation and investments it required, and its strategic value through the manufacturing of cutting edge semiconductors within the U.S. Today, this is an essential capability if the U.S. is to retain its current competitiveness and national security advantages. Reversing Economic Decline The Capital Region of New York State has been transformed by sustained, bipartisan efforts to develop and grow in what is now called Tech Valley. Tech Valley is a corridor running along the Middle Hudson Valley from East Fishkill through Albany, Schenectady, and Troy to Saratoga Springs. Decades-long investments in university nanotechnology programs, public- private partnerships, and collaborative efforts to attract high- tech manufacturing have succeeded beyond expectations. The sustained investments in education, innovative partnerships and infrastructure have enabled the region to attract and retain cutting edge semiconductor manufacturing. There are now almost 10,000 semiconductor manufacturing jobs in Tech Valley, with average pay of $92,000 a year, plus thousands of indirect jobs generated in the GlobalFoundries supply chain. These high-paying jobs have helped create tens of thousands of other onshore manufacturing and to create viable long-term, well-paid jobs in the hospitality industry, health care, banking and retail sales career pathways for young people. of products such as automobiles and household goods. In addition, the sustained construction jobs associated with the The foundation of New York’s successful development effort has build out of GlobalFoundries eased the impact of the deepest been the expansion and improvement of its educational system recession the U.S. has experienced since the Great Depression and research infrastructure. For more than three decades, leaders and continue to drive the regional economy. in the state have made large and sustained investments in nan- otechnology research facilities and equipment at universities in the Capital Region, most notably at State University of New York The Value of Partnerships and a (SUNY) Albany and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). These are Long-Term Strategic Goal among more than 20 colleges and universities in the Capital Region offering a broad range of curricula and helping sustain a workforce The history of public-private investment by New York State and of engineers and managers, as well as the community colleges that other local players in semiconductor research and manufacturing train technicians and operators in an array of specialized high-tech is one of vision, hard-work and immense return. The bipartisan manufacturing skills. Such technicians comprise roughly two-thirds policies that enabled these investments are especially relevant of a wafer fabrication plant’s work force and are, as one former state in an era in which Americans are seeking ways to revive U.S. senator put it, the “blue collar workers of the future.” A Global Presence Sustained and substantial investments in education and infra- structure, spurred by a cast of bipartisan regional and state leaders, enabled the Albany area to emerge as the leading center of applied nanotechnology research in the world. The existence of research facilities and expertise that were literally available nowhere else proved a powerful draw for major semi-conductor firms to establish a local presence. Regional business and economic development organizations, including the Center for Economic Growth and the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, played key roles in envisioning and then executing this long-term strategy of high-tech manufacturing growth, successfully sidestepping local rivalries and the political gridlock that hampered previous efforts. Global Competition and the National Security Dimension New York’s investments have resulted in major additions to U.S. domestic semiconductor manufacturing, a capability that is essential for the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge in both manufacturing and research, capabilities essential to our national security. Even with these accomplishments, fierce global competition and accelerating technological change constitute major, ongoing challenges for regions benefiting from this unique, enabling indus- try. Given that many countries view the industry as strategic and some, most notably China, are committing unparalleled resources to enhance the competitive position of their national producers, there can be no grounds for complacency. The location of future semiconductor research and manufacturing facilities is likely to be determined by the level of commitment in terms of workforce development, industry incentives, and infrastructure offered by competing national and regional governments. The implications for national security are substantial. Semiconduc- tors now are the foundation of all major U.S. defense platforms, from satellites and aircraft to naval vessels, communications Nano-Cluster is now an important part of the industrial foundation of systems, and support vehicles. For a number of years, U.S. U.S. national security. defense planners have been concerned that the globalization of semiconductor research and production poses a fundamental At its core, the Tech Valley success story underscores the possibili- threat to the security of U.S. defense systems. The Pentagon ties for other U.S. cities and regions to attract and retain high-tech established a program pursuant to which certain critical devices manufacturing. At the same time, the New York Capital Region’s are fabricated by “trusted” companies at secure sites physically continued success is not guaranteed. As this book describes, the located in the U.S. One such “trusted” site is the former IBM semiconductor industry’s unique needs and fierce global compe- semiconductor plant in East Fishkill, New York, now owned and tition raise serious challenges, underscoring the need for ongoing operated by GlobalFoundries, which is engaged in a variety of political and financial commitment, institutional teamwork, and projects supporting critical U.S. defense needs. The New York sustained effort from the region’s leadership..